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Certified athletic
trainers are highly trained professionals who are part of a complete
athletic program. They specialize in the prevention, treatment, and
rehabilitation of athletic injuries. They use their knowledge of hygiene,
conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, and protective equipment to
ensure that athletic competition is kept safe and performance is at its
best. Athletic trainers concentrate a great deal of their energy on
preventing injuries. They design and implement detailed training regiments
in an effort to prevent injuries and educate athletes on the best way to
accomplish that goal. They are also trained in treating and
rehabilitating, as directed by the team physician, any injuries that may
occur during athletic competition. They must be able to recognize if an
injury requires immediate treatment or if it requires more specialized
care. Athletic trainers must have the ability to form close interpersonal
relationships and work closely with coaches, athletes, administrators,
physicians, and other health professionals. The work of athletic trainers
ensures that athletic competition is kept as safe as possible, morale is
kept high, and athletes perform at the highest level possible. Individuals
interested in this field should be willing to work irregular hours, be in
good physical condition, and have the confidence to make decisions.
Work Environment:
Athletic trainers are primarily employed in
athletic and educational environments. Settings for trainers include
public or private secondary schools, colleges and universities,
professional sports teams, sports medicine clinics, health clubs,
hospitals, and corporate health programs.
High School Preparation:
Students
interested in a future as an athletic trainer should take high school
courses in algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, first aid,
health occupations/medical professions education, English, computer
skills, physical education, and health.
College Requirements:
Individuals entering an athletic training
program should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students must
earn a college degree from a university with an accredited athletic
training program that includes clinical experience. They must then pass a
three-part national certification examination given by The National
Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). Mississippi also requires an
individual to obtain a state license in order to practice as a certified
athletic trainer.
Students interested in athletic training
should contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment
opportunities for certified athletic trainers should be good over the next
decade. The increasing interest in physical fitness and sports competition
should increase the demand for athletic trainers. As society becomes more
health conscious, roles for athletic trainers in health clubs and other
similar facilities will become more prevalent. The large number of high
school and college sports programs will continue to need the expertise of
these highly trained professionals as they concentrate on preventing and
treating injuries that could sideline athletes for entire seasons or their
careers.
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Salary:
Average Annual
Salary
$42,300
Salary Range
$30,500-$53,900
Professional Organizations:
National Athletic
Trainers Association (NATA)
2952 Stemmons
Freeway, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75247
Phone: (800)
879-6282
Fax: (214)
637-2206
www.nata.org
National
Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Phone: (703) 476-3410
Fax: (703) 476-8316
www.aahperd.org/naspe
Mississippi
Athletic Trainers Association
1300 South Fifth
Cleveland, MS
38732
www.mississippiata.org |
